Last modified: Monday, October 27, 2008 11:02 AM PDT Our Opinion: Dancer for state secretary On paper, the Oregon secretary of state contest between Republican Rick Dancer and Democratic Sen. Kate Brown should be no contest.   After all, Brown has a long political resume  that boasts experience and know-how essential to stepping into one of the most under-rated, but most important, political jobs in the state.   The third candidate for the spot, Seth Woolley, represents the Pacific Green Party and is, at least in some portions of Eastern Oregon, an unknown.   That realistically leaves only Dancer and Brown for voters on the high desert steppe of Eastern Oregon, and the choice is not as cut-and-dried as it might first appear.   Pundits have spent a lot of time concentrating on Brown’s experience as the X factor in the race. Many laud Dancer’s attitude and concede the overall merits of his campaign platform.   But, in the end, it is Brown’s experience that is the major difference and the key to voting for her.   We, however, don’t believe that is good enough. That’s why we believe voters should cast their ballot for Rick Dancer.   There is no denying Brown’s experience. She is a longtime Oregon lawmaker — she has been in the Legislature since 1991 and led the majority since 2004.   And, in some areas, Brown and Dancer seem to be on the same page. Yet it is two crucial items that caught our attention regarding Dancer, and we think Eastern Oregon voters will see a clear difference the candidates.   The secretary of state slot is a partisan one, and, while both candidates have talked about keeping partisan politics out of the job, it is Dancer who appears to be the most dedicated to that concept.   The secretary of state office has, in the past, been polarized and utilized in ways that should make Eastern Oregon voters nervous.   The office will be at the epicenter of an important renovation of legislative districts in the next few years, which, in turn, puts new emphasis on the job.   When this operation is conducted, voters need to know the individual at the helm is going to approach the task in a value-free way instead of from an angle of partisanship.   That kind of non-partisanship is one of the most attractive elements to Dancer’s platform.   He’s made it clear, while he is a Republican, he will tackle this important job as an Oregonian first. In short, he has pledged not to be beholden to his party or any other special interest group.   Also, Eastern Oregon voters need someone in this important office who is familiar with their lifestyle and challenges.   We believe Dancer, while inexperienced politically, will take on the job as secretary of state in a non-partisan manner, and we like many of his views, including his support of Measure 65. Measure 65, unpopular with many Democrats and Republicans alike, would open up Oregon’s primaries so voters can pick who they want, instead of being forced to tow the party line.   Dancer also seems to be the best candidate in terms of delivering more accountability and transparency, not only to the secretary of state’s office, but to state agencies in general. Dancer is not going to be tied to party special interest groups. Instead, he will do the work of the people.   What a concept.   Kate Brown is a very qualified candidate. But we believe it is time for a real change in this office, and Rick Dancer will furnish it.   Dancer wants politicians to stop talking and start listening to the people.   That view is admirable, and we believe he is the best choice.   Vote Rick Dancer for secretary of state.